Sixth Principle Resources for Unitarian Universalist Congregations

Sharing Global Faith—gathers Unitarian and Universalist voices from around the world in a monthly devotional e-resource. Reflecting on issues of freedom, fellowship and hope, among others, participants share spiritual insight into personal and communal interpretations of scripture and our common faith.

Holidays & Special Occasions

Michael Servetus—500th Anniversary
2011 is the 500th Anniversary year of the birth of Michael Servetus (c. 1511 - 1553). There are multiple resources that Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations can make use of for developing Anniversary events.

St. Valentine's Day
One day solely dedicated to the light of love—Dayenu! It is enough. Named after an ambiguous assortment of early Christian ‘Valentinian’ martyrs, the annual celebration of compassion lifts up self-sacrificing, all-encompassing love and the power of sacred trust between people. Over time, the Valentine’s Day feast has evolved into an occasion for exchanging cards, flowers and chocolate as tokens of appreciation. Driven by the firm conviction that every person deserves recognition of their inherent worth and dignity, Unitarian Universalists are called to reach out, affirm and embrace the Other in radical compassion, while simultaneously working to ameliorate situations where people are being denied their humanity.

The Flower Communion
Celebrating Flower Communion is an excellent opportunity for UU congregations to express their commitment to our Sixth Principle.

United Nations Sunday
Celebrating United Nations Sunday is an excellent opportunity for UU congregations to express their commitment to our Sixth Principle.

Hiroshima Day Resources
August 6 is the anniversary of Hiroshima Day and there are many interfaith and UU resources available for congregations that plan to hold a worship service or other event.

Water Ceremony/Communion Services
Many UU congregations have an annual tradition of celebrating a Water Ceremony/Communion early in September as a ritual of welcoming members of their congregation to a new church year.

Winter Holidays
For everything there is a season—a time to die and a time to be born. With the arrival of winter’s low dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. We celebrate the promise of new life and recommit ourselves to the protection of everyone’s right to his or her own radiant humanity. Celebrating the Winter Holidays, thus, is an excellent opportunity for UU congregations to express their commitment to our Sixth Principle.